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Performance, Digestibility and ⁴⁰K Levels in Lambs during Compensation for Feed Restriction^{1, 2,}

University of Missouri-Columbia, 65201

Abstract

The influences of level of protein and previous feed restriction were studied in fattening lambs. Weight gains, feed consumption, nutrient digestibility, ⁴⁰K levels and specific gravity were determined for growing wether lambs receiving finishing diets of 9 or 12% protein. Half of the lambs had previously been restricted in nutrient intake so that no weight gains occurred (restricted), while the other half received a diet adequate to support gains of approximately .1 kg per day (ad libitum). The preliminary phase was 150 days and the finishing phase was divided into two periods of 62 and 50 days. During both periods of the finishing phase the restricted animals ate more feed per kilogram body weight, gained a greater percentage of their initial weight, had higher nitrogen retention and gained more body K. The sheep receiving high protein diets had higher N digestibility and plasma urea nitrogen (PUN). Interactions between previous treatment and protein level were significant only for PUN. It was concluded that compensating lambs ate more per unit body weight and utilized protein more efficiently.

¹ Contribution from the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station. Journal Series No. 6983. Approved by the Director.

² Departments of Animal Husbandry and Food Science and Nutrition.

³ Current address: Arizona State University, Tempe.